TobaccoThis section has been reviewed and approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 1/09 Tobacco use is the most preventable cause of death in the United States. Each year, tobacco use is responsible for nearly 440,000 deaths. Approximately 44.5 million U.S. adults are current cigarette smokers, according to the 2004 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Smoking accounts for at least 30% of all cancer deaths and 87% of lung cancer deaths, making smoking cessation (quitting smoking) the single most important thing a person can do to lower his or her individual cancer risk. In addition to cigarettes, other forms of tobacco use include cigar/pipe smoking and smokeless tobacco, such as chewing tobacco and snuff. Smokeless tobacco is not a safe substitute for smoking because it can also cause various cancers. Tobacco use is associated with increased risk for at least 15 types of cancer, including:
The following articles provide more information on tobacco use and quitting smoking: Tobacco and Cancer Tobacco Use During Cancer Treatment ASCO Expert Corner: World Cancer Day 2008 Give Your Kids a Smoke-Free Childhood Best Defense Against Many Cancers: Preventing Tobacco Use by Children and Teens History of Smoking Significantly Reduces Survival for Patients with Head and Neck Cancer Study Finds That Patients Who Quit Smoking During Lung Cancer Treatment Live Longer Quitting Smoking Cancer.Net Podcast: Quitting Smoking ASCO Expert Corner: Questions and Myths About Quitting Smoking Resources to Help You Quit Smoking Tobacco Regulation President Obama Signs FDA Tobacco Bill into Law Statement of ASCO President on Signing of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act Last Updated: June 24, 2009 |